News from the Student Services Centre (Carrington Building)

Month: October 2015

Between the 2 – 6 November, this year’s Autumn Enhancement Week will take place.

This term time, week-long event offers a break from your studies, and an in-built chance to try something different and develop your skills or interests. The week includes departmental events such as field trips, and developmental activities, from CV check to TED talks!

And after a busy but enjoyable week, RUSU is running its Friday Festivities. Come along to relax, recharge, and enjoy live entertainment and fireworks!

Would you like to have you say on how your university environment is being shaped?

There’s a growing demand for higher quality, affordable accommodation on campus, particularly amongst those of you who are away from home for the first time. As a result, the site of St Patrick’s Hall is currently being planned for redevelopment, so that our future students are provided with higher quality, affordable on-campus accommodation.

The proposals aim to:

Increase capacity by better utilising the existing grounds

Transform the facilities for students

Enhance the architectural quality

Improve the environmental performance

If you’re interested in supporting these plans, finding out more or having your say, the University would love to hear from you!

When: Thursday 22 October 2015 from 12pm – 2pm

Where: Old Senior Common Room, the Shamrock Café, University of Reading (off Nourthcourt Avenue, Reading, West Berkshire RG2 7H)

It’s an exciting time of year. Either you’re returning to campus, or you’ve arrived at Reading for the first time. You’re probably living and interacting with lots of new people, and you’ve all come from different parts of the country – and even the world – to experience university together.

Whilst nothing should detract from you enjoying this exciting time, sharing your space with so many other people can mean sharing with a few new bugs too.

For the most part, the most you’ll catch is ‘freshers’ flu’; however, did you know you are one of the groups which is also at risk of contracting Meningitis? Meningitis is a relatively rare but very serious and fast moving disease. As well as being potentially fatal, it can lead to problems such as brain injury, loss of limbs, and hearing and sight problems.

First things first, are you up to date with your MMR vaccine? This protects against measles, mumps and rubella; infections that can potentially lead to Meninigitis, amongst other serious illnesses. Find out more about the MMR vaccine here.

Next, make sure you check out our information below to help you stay aware and protect yourself and others.

How can you get meningitis?

The Meningococcal bacteria can be passed from one person to another by:

Sneezing

Coughing

Kissing

Sharing kitchen utensils

Sharing personal belongings such as a cigarette or toothbrush

What symptoms should I look out for?

Meningitis can be deceiving, and early symptoms can appear as other illnesses, such as flu. Even what feels like a hangover could be the first symptoms of the disease.

If you haven’t already, make sure you register with a local GP. Have a look at information on local medical practises.

Get your vaccination! Once you’ve registered at the GP, ask them about booking a vaccination.

Tell a friend if you don’t feel well and equally, look out for your friends. If you recognise signs and symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

More information:

Meningitis Now is a charity which works to raise awareness of the disease, and starting next week on the 19 October, they are holding an awareness week for new students, called ‘Off to uni’. Keep an eye on their website for more details. The campaign aims to make students aware of the new vaccine that protects against strains ACWY. This vaccine is only available to first year students, coming into the University environment for the first time.

Want to find out what societies you can join? Where to get the bus into town? Or where you can get peer support?

It’s the new term, and you probably have lots of questions about your year ahead. The Essentials website is here to give you all the information you need.

For new students, our ‘Getting Started’ page has plenty of information to make sure you get off to a great start. Visit the page for helpful tips, from the top ten things to do in your first five weeks, to how to look after yourself and make new friends.

So, if you’re not sure about something and want to find out more, Essentials is the place to go!

What do you think of the new site? Take a look and let us know! Visit Essentials here